9-Day Northern California Honeymoon Loop: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Redwood Forests & Coastal Beaches

Day 1: Journey to Lake Tahoe

Modesto, CA to Lake Tahoe, CA on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Denny's in Modesto

Start your day with a hearty breakfast including classic pancakes or omelets, ensuring energy for the drive. Open early to accommodate your departure.
USD$15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Lake Tahoe

Enjoy a scenic 3.5 to 4 hour drive northeast from Modesto to South Lake Tahoe along US-50, capturing beautiful mountain views en route.
USD$0 (car rental fuel cost extra), 4h0m

2:00pm

Check in at Lake Tahoe hotel

Settle into your accommodation in South Lake Tahoe and prepare for lakeside adventures.
Variable, 1h0m

3:30pm

Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

Rent a kayak from a local outfitter like Tahoe Sports Hub; paddle the pristine blue waters and enjoy the mountain scenery. Open 9am-6pm.
USD$40, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lake House

Dine lakeside with fresh seafood and American cuisine while watching the sunset over the lake. Reservations recommended.
USD$60 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, CA on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Driftwood Cafe

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee to start your day right. Opens at 7am.
USD$20, 1h0m

9:30am

Emerald Bay State Park hike

Hike the scenic trails to Vikingsholm Castle and Eagle Falls; this 3-4 hour activity offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe’s iconic bay.
USD$10 parking, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Base Camp Pizza Co.

Relish some locally loved gourmet pizza and craft sodas within walking distance of the lakefront. Open from 11am.
USD$25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Pope Beach

Spend your afternoon at Pope Beach lounging, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun and lake vibes.
USD$15 parking, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Riva Grill

Enjoy lakeside dining with excellent seafood and cocktails, perfect for a romantic evening.
USD$60 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Drive to Yosemite

Lake Tahoe, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up early for your road trip toward Yosemite, with simple options like croissants and coffee.
USD$15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Approximate 4.5 to 5 hour drive south via CA-89 and CA-120 which offers beautiful Sierra Nevada views.
USD$0 (rental car fuel cost extra), 5h0m

1:30pm

Check-in at Yosemite Valley lodge or nearby accommodation

Settle into your lodging for easy access to park attractions.
Variable, 1h0m

3:00pm

Yosemite Valley Floor Tour

Join the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to visit iconic sites like El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall in the afternoon when lighting is ideal for photos.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Located at Yosemite Valley Lodge, this spot offers hearty American meals with views of Yosemite Falls. Open until 9pm.
USD$50 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Yosemite Hiking

Yosemite National Park, CA on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite Village Grill

Enjoy quick and fresh breakfast sandwiches and coffee to prepare for your hiking day. Opens at 7am.
USD$20, 1h0m

8:00am

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

A challenging but rewarding 5-6 hour hike showcasing breathtaking waterfalls and granite cliffs; bring water and good shoes.
Free, 6h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Yosemite Lodge or Visitor Center

Rest after your hike and learn more about park history and geology at the Visitor Center.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Degnan’s Kitchen

Casual dining with a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Open until 8pm.
USD$25, 1h0m
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Day 5: Drive to Redwood Forests

Yosemite, CA to Redwood National and State Parks, CA on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley

Fuel up early with easy options before your long drive to the coast, opting for granola and fruit.
USD$15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Redwood National and State Parks

Prepare for a 6.5 to 7 hour scenic drive northwest covering diverse California landscapes, with stops for rest and fuel as needed.
USD$0 (car rental fuel extra), 7h0m

3:30pm

Check-in at a nearby hotel or cabin near the Redwoods

Relax for the evening amid the towering trees and forest atmosphere.
Variable, 1h0m

5:00pm

Stroll through Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Enjoy a gentle 1.5-mile walk surrounded by some of the tallest trees on Earth. The trail is open daylight hours.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Historic Requa Inn

Dine in a charming inn with a rustic menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Opens in the evening.
USD$45 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Redwoods and Bigfoot Lore

Redwood National and State Parks area on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café (Café One)

Enjoy fresh coffee and breakfast items in this cozy spot before your exploration. Opens 7am.
USD$15, 1h0m

9:00am

Bigfoot Discovery Museum visit

Drive 1 hour south to Willow Creek, CA, known as the 'Bigfoot Capital of the World,' and explore exhibits dedicated to Bigfoot lore and local folklore. Open 10am-5pm.
USD$10 per person, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Big Foot Restaurant in Willow Creek

Dine at this quirky spot with Bigfoot-themed décor and hearty American food. Opens 11am.
USD$20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive back to Redwood park area

Return drive approximately 1 hour to continue nature exploration along the coastal forest.
USD$0 (fuel extra), 1h0m

3:30pm

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - Fern Canyon

Walk the 1-mile loop trail through the lush canyon clad with ferns and moss, a magical and photogenic spot. Open daylight hours.
USD$10 parking, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Moonstone Grill

Enjoy fresh Pacific seafood and local wines with forest views, perfect for a romantic dinner. Opens at 5pm.
USD$55 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Beach Day on Northern California Coast

Northern California Coast near Redwood area on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start with a light breakfast featuring fresh fruit and baked goods.
USD$15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Trinidad State Beach

Short 30-minute drive to one of the most scenic beaches along the Northern Coast, known for tide pools and sunset views.
USD$10 parking, 30m

10:00am

Beach day at Trinidad State Beach

Relax on the sand, explore tide pools, or enjoy light coastal hiking. Ideal sun protection recommended; open all day.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Lighthouse Grill

Grab fresh seafood and casual fare near the Lighthouse with ocean views. Open 11am-4pm.
USD$25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive down the coast to Mendocino

A 2.5 hour scenic coastal drive south toward the charming town of Mendocino.
USD$0 (fuel extra), 2h30m

5:30pm

Check in at Mendocino B&B

Experience a cozy boutique stay near the ocean cliffs.
Variable, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Beaujolais

Enjoy farm-to-table Northern California cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
USD$70 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Coastal Views & Return South

Mendocino, CA to Half Moon Bay, CA on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mendocino Café

Savor artisan coffees and fresh baked goods before hitting the road. Opens 7:30am.
USD$20, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Mendocino Headlands State Park

Enjoy breathtaking coastal cliffside views on this moderate 2-mile loop, perfect for morning fresh air.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive south to Half Moon Bay

Approximate 3 hour drive down the Pacific Coast Highway with beach stop options on the way.
USD$0 (fuel extra), 3h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at Half Moon Bay hotel

Relax in a coastal town known for beaches and charming downtown.
Variable, 1h0m

4:00pm

Beach walk at Half Moon Bay State Beach

Stroll the beautiful sandy beach and enjoy ocean views with sunset approaching.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sam’s Chowder House

Relish fresh seafood with ocean vistas; one of the region’s top dining experiences. Open until 9pm.
USD$60 per person, 1h30m
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Day 9: San Jose Arrival & Departure

Half Moon Bay, CA to San Jose, CA on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Half Moon Bay Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee to start your last day.
USD$15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to San Jose

Short 1.5 hour drive east to San Jose to return your rental car and conclude your honeymoon trip. Leave time for morning flight or departure plans.
USD$0 (fuel extra), 1h30m
View Hotel Availability